Buy Local Rock For Christmas!
You're probably thinking about your Christmas shopping already. Here at the Post, we support buying local. That means local businesses as well as local artists. If you think like us, you should know that Austin-based rock band The Couch will be releasing their debut album "Old and Touchin’ Blue" on Dec. 14.
The Couch was conceived like so many other local bands: on a couch in college through a series of parties and the not-so-uncommon noise complaint. Although band members hail from San Marcos, the band has moved to Austin and no longer call “The Couch House” home.
The band’s first single “Close To You,” which they describe as a "rhythmic, summer anthem," was released in the summer of 2011 and it was featured as KUT’s “song of the day.” Their second single, “The Way You Came” falls into a similar category, smashing together a bit of rock with blues and soul.
The band began as a three-piece comprised of Taylor Wilkins (guitarist, vocals), Jud Johnson (percussion) and Kyle Robarge (bassist). Since recording the album, The Couch has added multi-instrumentalist Sara Houser (keys, piano, guitar, vocals) to contribute to the overall aesthetic of the band’s developing sound. I got a copy of the album and can say that songs like "Shaking Cause It's Hard to React" and "The Way You Came" make it hard not to stomp your feet and others, especially "New Roman Buffalo," are beautifully constructed and a great listen.
"Old and Touchin’ Blue" was recorded, mixed and mastered by Lars Goransson at Sounds Outrageous Studio right here in Austin. The band recorded in three sessions beginning in February 2010, and released a few songs in the summer of 2011 available via download. After taking the best five tracks from the first two recording sessions, The Couch finished "Old and Touchin’ Blue" in October 2011, adding four tracks to complete the final album. The album represents the band’s developing personality and sound while retaining their original raw elements of roots rock and roll.
The Couch album release party will be at the Mohawk (outside stage) on Dec. 14. Joining the bill are Zlam Dunk and Little Radar. The good folks at Music Media Box will keep us posted as the final details become available. In the meantime, go listen to a few tracks on the band's website here. Now you have another gift in mind!
Photo courtesy of The Couch.
